La Bouquet, consists ofBryan Sammis (formerly of The Neighbourhood ), Jake Lopez and Drew Bruchs. Their gorgeously melancholic single “Sad People Dancing” was released earlier this year on Feb 8th. Following that, their debut full-length album was put out on Mar 29th.

The group have steadily gained acclaim since their inception, being lauded for their “expertly combined emotional balladry and R&B with a punk sensibility” (Culture Collide), “pristine guitar work and gorgeous melodies” (The 405), “emotional post-punk soundscapes” (Ones To Watch), and “slick fusion of contemporary pop punk and ’80s aesthetics” (Flood).

Learn more about La Bouquet in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What is on tap for the rest of your day?

-Hey thanks for having me! I am actually up north celebrating the album release with the rest of the boys in the band and visiting my family!

Now that we are well into the 5TH month of the year, how would you say that 2019 is treating the band so far?

-2019 has been great so far. Our debut album just came out which we have been waiting to release for so long that it feels amazing to have this art in the world and also feels like a weight has been lifted to finally be able to share something that means so much to us.

What are some goals that you have for this year?

-We’d love to tour farther than just the southwest this year & meet as many people as possible in different cities. I want to share this art with everyone individually and get that personal connection.

How are those New Years Resolutions going?

-As of now we have no touring plans but we are hoping that our album being out helps!

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together?

-Definitely! We’ve all known each other for a long time and have been in bands together and written music for so long that it just felt right. Musically we gel so well together that it’s fun to write & perform music together.

Was it hard to think of a name that you could agree on?

-No, not really. We were almost called The Shy…but La Bouquet is definitely better & more fitting.

Has anything surprised you about this musical journey so far?

-We’ve all been in this industry for a long time. Touring, writing, performing, etc… Nothing is really a huge surprise anymore.

How do you think your hometowns have influenced the sound and how you all carry yourselves in this group?

-I think our home towns influenced us only in the sense that there wasn’t much to do so we spent an inordinate amount of time writing music/jamming back in the day.

How would you say that your other bands and previous music experiences compare to working on the music of La Bouquet?

-Nothing compares to making beautiful music with your friends, with good people, with life long brothers. There’s nothing that can compare to creating with the people you love and trust – both musically and life-wise.

Let’s talk about your debut full-length album set for release at the end of the month. What was it like putting this collection together?

-At this point, it is out (the release was 4/26). Our album has actually been done for like 2 1/2 years so it was definitely a process – but we think the end result is the best it could have been.

How do you think your already released single “Sad People Dancing” prepares listeners for your album?

-I think “Sad People Dancing” is the heart & soul of the album. It is the amalgamation of everything we are & everything the album is.

What was the inspiration for this track?

-A night I spent dancing drunk & alone at a dive bar in echo park under a disco ball.

While it’s difficult to pick out favorites, can you choose a few other songs that stand out and talk about the inspiration behind them and how they came to be on this collection?

-“Pure Heartbreak” is my (Bryan) personal favorite. It was the last song we wrote for the album & is about a relationship that ended mere days before writing it.

How will you celebrate the release of this debut album?

-We had a nice little family and friends BBQ last night actually. It was very nice 🙂

Generally, how do you all go about writing your music? Do you write together or separately?

-It depends on the song! Generally, someone comes in with an idea and we flesh it out but there have been times where someone comes in with an almost fully realized idea.

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

-Personally, it would be touring. Obviously, all of it is a dream – but performing your songs in different cities to people that know the words is very special.

Where can fans see you perform next?

-We have a show 5/18 at the Troubadour! And 7/6 at The Moroccan Lounge!

What do you think makes for an ideal show for this group?

-Energy. Vibe. The crowd being into it. Good sound. Good lighting.

Do you find that all of the social media and keeping up with your fans has gotten so overwhelming? Or do you rely heavily on others to take care of that for the band?

-We run all of our own socials. It can be daunting but it’s part of the job. If it will help make our music reach new ears then I am all for it.

Which platform would you say that you enjoy engaging with the most?

-Instagram.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how you all think being musicians and in this band still gives you the most joy in life today?

-We get to do what we genuinely love to do for a living. There’s nothing that can beat that. Following your heart, your dreams, your passion & seeing it pay off is the most rewarding.

Do you find that your music is an escape to all the current events?

-I think briefly. If we can help people escape for a minute that’s all I can ask for.

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? What artists have really been inspiring this group and your music since day 1?

-Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, The Cure.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about this group?

-yes – read this and then listen to our debut album <3

“A Sonic Experience

Of Cut-Flower Love

Profound Sadness

& Patience.

A Visceral Journey

Of Loss & Nostalgia

Inherent Trauma

& The Search For Happiness.

There Was Joy In The Background.

There Was A Glimmer Of Hope & Opportunity For Change.

There Was Let-Down In The Foreground.

There was An Overwhelming Sense Of Impending Dread.

and why wouldn’t there be? what have you come to expect but

ACHE.

however, the journey through the hardened, cumbersome facets of your important life

exists to enlighten, to encourage

to dunk your head in the ice-bath that is reality.

to emerge with BLISS.

you deserve it.

you always have.

La Bouquet.”

About the Author

Leah Brungardt (recently married) joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music.
Leah grew up overseas attending American international schools and attended The University of Arizona, where she earned a BA in Music Management. She roots for the Wildcats every chance she gets.
Leah has been able to work at a variety of music-related jobs including several internships at small independent labels, ClearChannel Radio and Journal Broadcasting Group. She also spent time working retail at a store that specializes in vinyl, which was a lot of fun for her. Her favorite movie is Empire Records, so that makes perfect sense.